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2015 Fiat 500L Adds Six-Speed Automatic, New Colors

The 2015 Fiat 500L adds a more traditional six-speed automatic to its roster of transmissions, joining the existing six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch transmissions that were previously available for this funky European hatchback.

The new transmission option doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, as this dual-clutch transmission has experienced numerous teething problems and subsequent software updates when mated to the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 500L and other models like our Four Seasons Dodge Dart. The new six-speed automatic does not replace the dual-clutch, but is an option on Easy and Trekking trim levels and standard on the Lounge model (the base Pop model offers only a six-speed manual transmission). Fiat has not yet announced pricing for the new transmission in the 2015 Fiat 500L, but expect the automatic to cost a bit less than the dual-clutch which costs $1350 extra on 2014 500L Easy and Trekking trims.
The six-speed automatic transmission does achieve lower fuel economy ratings according to the EPA. With this new transmission, the 2015 Fiat 500L is rated at 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined, in contrast to 25/33/28 mpg with the manual and 24/33/27 mpg with the six-speed dual-clutch.
The 2015 Fiat 500L is otherwise unchanged mechanically, as its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine continues to make 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. There are two new colors for 2015—Blue Tornado and Rosso Perla—both of which are offered only on the Trekking model, a trim level that adds some body cladding and other trim for a more rugged look.
Fiat has not yet announced pricing for the 2015 Fiat 500L, but we don’t expect it to change much from last year’s starting price of $20,045 with destination for the base 500L Pop model. Look for pricing to come out within the next few weeks as we approach the updated 500L’s on-sale date.

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